Two Rare Bottles: Fox Chapel Golf Club Unveils Vintage Layout and Limited-Edition Wine

16th Hole at Fox Chapel Golf Club featured on wine label (photo by Russell Kirk/Golflinks)

Pittsburgh, Pa. (May 11, 2021) – When the restoration of the classic Seth Raynor layout at Fox Chapel Golf Club is unveiled later this month, golfers are sure to be intrigued by one of the most distinctive holes on the course—the 16th—fittingly named “Bottle.”

This par 4, 421-yard hole, is the most strategic complex on the course.  The fairway is gradually narrowing on the left and right side with three cross bunkers in the middle of the fairway.  Ideal play is far along the right side, the left side is wider, but is a more challenging 2nd shot to the green. There are 13 bunkers on the hole with a short cross bunker in front.

As a hole design, the Bottle was only rarely employed, even in golf’s Golden Age of Architecture. The limited-run wine is just as rare, to be found only at the club.  To showcase this hole and commemorate the restoration, Fox Chapel’s General Manager Brian Higgins worked with Williamette Valley Vineyards to create a different kind of bottle, in this case a limited-run pinot noir. 

“This distinctive hole was named long before the course restoration, so it seemed fitting that we celebrate it on a wine label,” Higgins said.  He added that the wine will be offered on club menus and for banquets.

The club, located outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., was founded in 1923 and the golf course opened in June 1925.  The restoration by Fazio Design was led by Senior Design Associate Tom Marzolf and restored a number of revered Raynor template holes, highlighting the historical significance of the layout.

For additional information, access the club’s web site at www.foxchapelgolfclub.org.

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